In this first general election survey of likely voters, instead of registered voters,
9 percent are undecided and 84 percent of those who have made a choice say their mind is
made up, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

By a 54 - 16 percent margin, New York City likely voters have a favorable opinion
of Bloomberg, with 27 percent mixed.

Ferrer gets a 36 - 21 percent favorability, with 30 percent mixed and 11 percent
who say they haven't heard enough about him to form an opinion.

"This is our first look at likely voters - as opposed to all those who are registered -
and at the start of the general election campaign, it looks like a Bloomberg blow-out," said
Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"New Yorkers know Mayor Mike and he gets a 'favorable' rating from more than
half of them," Carroll added.

Because of Rev. Al Sharpton's endorsement of Ferrer, 7 percent of voters are more
likely to vote for the Democrat, while 29 percent are less likely and 61 percent say the
endorsement will not affect their vote.

By a 47 - 41 percent margin, voters say Bloomberg favors Manhattan over the other
boroughs.
"Rev. Al Sharpton's pat on the back loses Ferrer more votes than it gains. How
about all those TV ads claiming Bloomberg favors all boroughs? A lot of New Yorkers are
skeptical," Carroll said.
Looking at the Mayor's character traits, voters say:

79 - 16 percent that Bloomberg has strong leadership qualities;

54 - 37 percent that the Mayor cares about their needs and problems;

71 - 18 percent that the incumbent is honest and trustworthy;

69 - 25 percent that he understands the issues and problems facing New York.

Looking at Ferrer's character traits , voters say:

46 - 34 percent that the challenger has strong leadership qualities;

66 - 21 percent that Ferrer cares about their needs and problems;

56 - 20 percent that he is honest and trustworthy;

65 - 22 percent that he understands the issues and problems facing New York.

"Here's a plus for Ferrer: Far more than Bloomberg, people feel he cares about
them. Here's a plus for Bloomberg: Far more than Ferrer, people rate him high on
leadership," Carroll said.
From September 14 - 19, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,504 New York City
registered voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points. The survey includes
774 likely voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts
public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and
nationwide as a public service and for research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu or call (203) 582-5201

2. If the election for mayor were being held today, and the candidates were
Fernando Ferrer the Democrat, and Michael Bloomberg the Republican, for whom
would you vote? 2a. If undecided: Well as of today, do you lean more towards
Ferrer or Bloomberg? * This table includes Leaners.

17. As you may know, Rev. Al Sharpton endorsed Fernando Ferrer for Mayor. Does
Sharpton's endorsement of Ferrer make you more likely to vote for Ferrer, less
likely to vote for Ferrer, or doesn't it make a difference?